August Primary Non-Partisan Ballot Items – Amendment 4

There are four constitutional amendments on the ballot for the August 4^th Primary.

Constitutional Amendment 4 ballot language reads as follows.

Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:

• Modify current requirements that a statewide majority of voters may approve initiative petitions to amend the constitution;
• Require a majority of voters in each congressional district to approve initiative petitions to amend the constitution; and
• Make available to each voter the full text of initiative petitions with their ballot?

The Department of Corrections estimates increased annual costs of up to $21,817. The Office of State Public Defender estimates an unknown fiscal impact. Other state governmental entities estimate no costs or savings. Local governmental entities estimate no costs or savings.

The fair Ballot language supplied by the Missouri Secretary of State reads:

A “yes” vote will amend the Missouri Constitution to:

• modify current requirements of Article III and Article XII that a simple statewide majority of voters may approve initiative petitions to amend the constitution;
• require a majority of voters in each congressional district to approve initiative petitions to amend the constitution; and
• make available to each voter the full text of initiative petitions with their ballot.

A “no” vote will not amend the Missouri Constitution to require majority approval in each congressional district for initiative petitions to amend the constitution or make available the full text of initiative petitions with the ballot.

If passed, this measure will not increase or decrease taxes.